China's DeepSeek AI model is TikTok on steroids.

During a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on the nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) expressed skepticism about claims that China has developed cheaper and better AI technologies on their own merit, and called DeepSeek’s new AI model “TikTok on steroids.” Curtis also engaged Mr. Lutnick on Silicon Slopes, a term describing Utah’s technology sector, and how government can balance supporting businesses while also avoiding burdensome regulation. The two finished their conversation by discussing President Trump’s policy on tariffs, where Curtis raised concerns about the impact of tariffs on small businesses-suggesting longer adjustment periods to help them adequately prepare.